How to get back into drumming after a long break

Table of Contents

Introduction

To those drummers who want to know how to get back into drumming after a break, or who are returning to drumming after a break of any duration, welcome back to the world of drumming! Whether you’ve taken a short pause or a long hiatus, returning to your faithful drum set can feel both exciting and daunting. where do you start? You may have ideas of what you are capable of, but those ideas are usually elevated ideas based on your past performance.

Much to my chagrin, I returned to drumming after a 20-year break, having last played professionally in the late ’90s. I had ideas of creating a Youtube channel and playing along to the things I used to practice as a teenager. Brand X, Brufford and similar fusion style music. But when I tried, my timing was all over the place. I had the ideas yeas, but the execution was miles off course.

This blog post is my journey and hopefully a guide to help fellow drummers overcome the common challenges of getting back into the groove. Let’s rediscover the joy of drumming together.

Assess Your Current Drumming Skills

Before you get back into drumming after a break, and diving into complex rhythms and fills, it’s crucial to assess where you currently stand with your drumming skills. How good you actually are as opposed to how good you think you are. But no worries, that can all change in a relatively short time.

Start with the basics: simple rudiments. Rudiments are the building blocks of drumming as you no doubt realize, and so revisiting them will help you gauge your timing and comfort level behind the kit. Begin with single strokes, double strokes, and paradiddles. Use these exercises to measure your control and consistency.

A great tool to assist you in this phase is a metronome. Practicing with a metronome can significantly improve your timing, a fundamental element of drumming that can deteriorate during extended breaks. I recommend using a metronome set at a comfortable tempo—70 beats per minute is a good starting point. It’s not about speed; it’s about precision and regaining your muscle memory. Loosening up again so to speak. Here’s a link to a free metronome and timer that can help you set your practice sessions effectively. Set the timer to 1 or 2 minutes, set the tempo and click the start button.

Setting Up Your Practice Space

Your practice environment plays a significant role in your drumming experience. It’s important to make sure that your space is inviting and conducive to learning. Set up your drum kit properly: adjust the throne height so your feet reach the pedals comfortably, and position your drums and cymbals within easy reach. If you’re using an Electronic Kit, such as the Alesis Strike Pro SE as I am, adjust the settings to closely mimic the feel of an acoustic drum set as near as you are able. This can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable as you wont have to adjust your playing to match the triggering quality or lack thereof.

Refreshing Your Drumming Knowledge

A lot can change in a few years, especially in the music world. So it’s a great idea to refresh your theoretical and practical knowledge about drumming in general as well as some music theory. There are countless resources available online, from YouTube tutorials to online courses that can help you catch up on new techniques or styles that have emerged. Even just watching drum covers or listening to contemporary music can inspire new ideas and reinvigorate your practice sessions.

I have created a special on demand coaching program to help refresh the memory of those returning back to the kit, as well as for complete beginners to brush up on some basic theories about drumming. You can find out more at the Drummerology Website. There’s even an upgrade to have a single coaching assessment session. Find out more at Drummerology.

Establishing a Regular Practice Routine

The key to successful re-entry into drumming is consistency. Start with short, manageable practice sessions to prevent any potential injuries and reduce frustration. Fifteen to twenty minutes a day focusing on the basics can make a significant difference. As your stamina and muscle memory improve, gradually increase the duration of your practice sessions. It’s not just about the length of time spent playing, but the quality of your practice. But you already knew that right? Great…

Incorporating Music into Your Practice

One of the most enjoyable ways to practice is by playing along to music. Choose some of your favorite songs that are not too complex and drum along to those. Choose songs that are slow to medium tempo so you don’t get into forming bad habits such as stiffness or relaxation issues. This approach helps improve your timing, dynamics an flow, and it reconnects you with the joy of drumming and instils a feeling of achievement. Playing along to music can also provide a practical application of the rudiments and techniques you practice, making your sessions more dynamic and fulfilling. For instance, use the music as a click track or metronome and practice your drum licks at these slow to medium tempos. But don’t go overboard, the rest of the band won’t like that. 🙂

Engaging with the Drumming Community

Drumming doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Connecting with other drummers can greatly enhance your learning and enjoyment. Join online drumming forums, Facebook groups, or even a local drum circle. These communities are invaluable for sharing experiences, swapping tips, and even collaborating on projects. Plus, the encouragement from fellow drum enthusiasts can be a major motivational boost.

We have also just created a social community for general talk and drummery. You can of course join for free at drummer.com.

Advanced Practice Techniques

As you regain comfort, fluidity, and confidence behind the kit, consider delving into more advanced practice techniques. The “Stick Control” book by George Lawrence Stone is an excellent resource for developing dexterity and control. Creating a practice routine around such resources can significantly enhance your skill level. Additionally, I’ve developed a free practice schedule creator tool which can help you plan and maintain discipline in your practice sessions. Download the free resource at the end of this post to access the practice generator tool.

Download the Rhythm Revival Cheatsheet

If you’re looking for even more detailed guidance to help kickstart your return to drumming, I highly recommend downloading the Rhythm Revival Cheatsheet. This free resource is packed with additional tips, structured processes, and valuable insights specifically designed to streamline your re-entry into the drumming world. Whether you’re refreshing your skills or starting anew, the cheatsheet serves as a perfect companion to this blog post, ensuring you have all the tools necessary for a smooth and enjoyable journey back to drumming. You can also access the Practice Plan Generator tool through the cheatsheet.

Download it now and take your first step towards rhythm revival with confidence! Download the Rhythm Revival Cheatsheet here.

Other Useful Resources

Please note: The links provided are Amazon affiliate links. By using these, you help support our channel at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Rock Drumming Foundation
https://amzn.to/407YbqH

Jazz Drumming Foundation
https://amzn.to/3BxAhdN

Rock Drumming Development
https://amzn.to/3YbM9tN

Jazz Drumming Development
https://amzn.to/47VLxgi

Odd Time Drumming Foundation
https://amzn.to/4dy3imM

Accents Drumming Foundation
https://amzn.to/3TSlKzA

Basic Latin Drumming Foundation
https://amzn.to/4dvjFRc

Other Books

Stick control
https://amzn.to/4eyKJ3u

How To Get Back Into Drumming After a Break